1.Long non-coding RNA AW112010 improves insulin resistance in adipocytes of aging mice through the miR-204/POU2F2 axis
Rui WANG ; Shuwen WANG ; Yifan ZHANG ; Yaqi HU ; Qi YUAN ; Yuan WEN ; Xiaoling CHEN ; Ting LU ; Ying ZHENG ; Zhiyong LIN ; Mengzhen XUE ; Yaqi WANG ; Fangqi XIA ; Leiqi ZHU ; Chengfu YUAN
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2024;40(1):44-52
Objective:To investigate whether long non-coding RNA(lncRNA) AW112010 can improve insulin resistance in aging adipocytes through the miR-204/POU2F2 signaling pathway.Methods:In vivo experiment: C57BL/6 mice were divided into young control group(4 months old) and aging model group(18 months old) based on body weight. The expression levels of AW112010, miR-204-5p, POU2F2, aging related indicators(p16, p21), and insulin signaling pathway genes [insulin receptor(INSR), insulin receptor substrate 1(IRS1), phosphatidylinositol kinase(PI3K), protein kinase B(AKT)] in epididymal adipose tissue were detected using real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR) and Western blotting. In vitro experiment: Using adriamycin(ADR) to induce 3T3-L1 aging adipocyte model, β-gal staining was used to observe cellular senescence, and miR-204 inhibitor and miR-204 mimic small interfering RNA were successfully constructed and transfected into 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Results:RT-qPCR and Western blot results showed that compared with the young group, the expression of AW112010 in the adipose tissue of aging mice was increased, while the expression of miR-204-5p was decreased. The expressions of POU2F2, p16, and p21 in the adipose tissue of aging mice were increased, while the expressions of INSR, IRS1, PI3K, GLUT4 mRNA and protein were decreased. The β-gal stainging results showed that the number of 3T3-L1 senescent adipocytes induced by ADR was significantly increased, and the expression levels of AW112010, POU2F2, p16, and p21 in ADR-induced senescent adipocytes were increased compared with the control group, while the expression levels of miR-204-5p, INSR, IRS1, PI3K, GLUT4 were decreased, and remaining glucose in the culture medium was increased. Compared with control, overexpression of miR-204 resulted in decreased expressions of aging indicators p16, p21, and target gene POU2F2 while the expressions of INSR and GLUT4 were increased.Conclusion:Upregulation of lncRNA AW112010 in adipocytes of aging mice may induce insulin resistance by targeting miR-204-5p/POU2F2/IRS1.
2.Anti-metastatic Pharmacology Based on Tumor Microenvironment Regulation: A Review
Yang ZHANG ; Lina YANG ; Yujie LI ; Xinke DU ; Li LIU ; Zhiyong LI ; Qing YANG ; Ying CHEN ; Xiaoxin ZHU ; Qi LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(13):209-218
Tumor metastasis is the major cause of death for tumor patients and the key bottleneck of clinical treatment. In recent years, basic and clinical studies have recognized that tumor microenvironment (TME) is highly correlated with tumor metastasis, which provides hope for anti-metastatic drug development and clinical treatment. At present, the mainstream studies on TME represented by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) mainly focus on the rectification of immune function of T cells and B cells. However, a large number of studies have shown that the significance of other members of TME for tumor metastasis cannot be ignored, which greatly reflects the progress of anti-metastatic research based on TME regulation. This review focused on tumor metastasis, summarized the mechanism of action of non-T and non-B immune cells [tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs)] and non-immune members [vascular endothelial cells (ECs), tumor-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and blood platelet] in the process of tumor metastasis in TME based on the literature over the recent five years, and explored their key value in the treatment of metastasis. At the treatment level, this review focused on the perspective of the integration of frontier and traditional methods and took the functional homeostasis remodeling of TME as the entry point to summarize the activity and mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) regulation of non-T and non-B immune cells and non-immune members and highlight its advantages and characteristics in clinical intervention of metastasis. This review helps to break through the limitations of over-reliance on T and B immune cells in anti-metastatic research, make the research rely on a wider range of cell groups, explore the potential value of TME in anti-metastatic drug intervention, and enrich the idea and strategy of understanding the anti-metastatic pharmacological activity. The review is also expected to provide a broader vision for the research and development of new anti-metastatic drugs.
3.Developing pathology guidelines and consensus: methods and considerations
Qi ZHOU ; Yaolong CHEN ; Zhiyong LIANG
Chinese Journal of Pathology 2024;53(6):521-527
Pathological diagnosis is vital in medicine. Developing and implementing high-quality pathology guidelines and consensus can enhance disease diagnosis accuracy and reduce unnecessary misdiagnosis and missed diagnoses. This article will cover the current status of pathology guidelines and consensus, methods for high-quality development, and the distinctions between them. Additionally, it will provide thoughts and suggestions for promoting their development in China.
4.α2-macroglobulin alleviates glucocorticoid-induced avascular necrosis of the femoral head in mice by promoting proliferation, migration and angiogenesis of vascular endothelial cells
Qi ZHU ; Yunxiang LU ; You PENG ; Jiale HE ; Zeyu WEI ; Zhiyong LI ; Yuxian CHEN
Journal of Southern Medical University 2024;44(4):712-719
Objective To explore the mechanism underlying the protective effect of α2-macroglobulin (A2M) against glucocorticoid-induced femoral head necrosis. Methods In a human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) model with injuries induced by gradient concentrations of dexamethasone (DEX;10-8-10-5 mol/L), the protective effects of A2M at 0.05 and 0.1 mg/mL were assessed by examining the changes in cell viability, migration, and capacity of angiogenesis using CCK-8 assay, Transwell and scratch healing assays and angiogenesis assay. The expressions of CD31 and VEGF-A proteins in the treated cells were detected using Western blotting. In BALB/c mouse models of avascular necrosis of the femoral head induced by intramuscular injections of methylprednisolone, the effects of intervention with A2M on femoral trabecular structure, histopathological characteristics, and CD31 expression were examined with Micro-CT, HE staining and immunohistochemical staining. Results In cultured HUVECs, DEX treatment significantly reduced cell viability, migration and angiogenic ability in a concentration- and time-dependent manner (P<0.05), and these changes were obviously reversed by treatment with A2M in positive correlation with A2M concentration (P<0.05). DEX significantly reduced the expression of CD31 and VEGF-A proteins in HUVECs, while treatment with A2M restored CD31 and VEGF-A expressions in the cells (P<0.05). The mouse models of femoral head necrosis showed obvious trabecular damages in the femoral head, where a large number of empty lacunae and hypertrophic fat cells could be seen and CD31 expression was significantly decreased (P<0.05). A2M treatment of the mouse models significantly improved trabecular damages, maintained normal bone tissue structures, and increased CD31 expression in the femoral head (P<0.05). Conclusion A2M promotes proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis of DEX-treated HUVECs and alleviates methylprednisolone-induced femoral head necrosis by improving microcirculation damages and maintaining microcirculation stability in the femoral head.
5.α2-macroglobulin alleviates glucocorticoid-induced avascular necrosis of the femoral head in mice by promoting proliferation, migration and angiogenesis of vascular endothelial cells
Qi ZHU ; Yunxiang LU ; You PENG ; Jiale HE ; Zeyu WEI ; Zhiyong LI ; Yuxian CHEN
Journal of Southern Medical University 2024;44(4):712-719
Objective To explore the mechanism underlying the protective effect of α2-macroglobulin (A2M) against glucocorticoid-induced femoral head necrosis. Methods In a human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) model with injuries induced by gradient concentrations of dexamethasone (DEX;10-8-10-5 mol/L), the protective effects of A2M at 0.05 and 0.1 mg/mL were assessed by examining the changes in cell viability, migration, and capacity of angiogenesis using CCK-8 assay, Transwell and scratch healing assays and angiogenesis assay. The expressions of CD31 and VEGF-A proteins in the treated cells were detected using Western blotting. In BALB/c mouse models of avascular necrosis of the femoral head induced by intramuscular injections of methylprednisolone, the effects of intervention with A2M on femoral trabecular structure, histopathological characteristics, and CD31 expression were examined with Micro-CT, HE staining and immunohistochemical staining. Results In cultured HUVECs, DEX treatment significantly reduced cell viability, migration and angiogenic ability in a concentration- and time-dependent manner (P<0.05), and these changes were obviously reversed by treatment with A2M in positive correlation with A2M concentration (P<0.05). DEX significantly reduced the expression of CD31 and VEGF-A proteins in HUVECs, while treatment with A2M restored CD31 and VEGF-A expressions in the cells (P<0.05). The mouse models of femoral head necrosis showed obvious trabecular damages in the femoral head, where a large number of empty lacunae and hypertrophic fat cells could be seen and CD31 expression was significantly decreased (P<0.05). A2M treatment of the mouse models significantly improved trabecular damages, maintained normal bone tissue structures, and increased CD31 expression in the femoral head (P<0.05). Conclusion A2M promotes proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis of DEX-treated HUVECs and alleviates methylprednisolone-induced femoral head necrosis by improving microcirculation damages and maintaining microcirculation stability in the femoral head.
6.Effects of SR9009 and LXH0225,REV-ERB agonists,on mood disor-ders and cognitive impairment in over-training mice
Qi DENG ; Xinhua HE ; Zhiyong XIAO ; Wenxia ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology 2024;38(11):816-825
OBJECTIVE To study the effects of SR9009 and LXH0225,nuclear receptor subfamily 1 group D member(REV-ERB)agonists,on mood disorders and cognitive impairment in over-training mice.METHODS Male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into the normal control,over-training model,model+fluoxetine(15 mg?kg-1),model+SR9009(100 mg?kg-1)and model+LXH0225(50 mg?kg-1)groups.Mice in the normal control group were ip given15%cremophor without extra stress while those in other groups were ip given 15%cremophor or different drugs respectively 30 min before daily forced swimming stress.When stressed,mice were forced to swim in 19-21℃water for 20 min per day for 18 d.After that,locomotor activity was assessed.Rotarod test and weight-loaded swimming test were performed to measure physical strength,while open field test and stair-climbing test were performed to measure anxiety-like behavior.Tail suspension test and forced swimming test were used to measure depression-like behavior while novel object recognition test and Y maze test were conducted to measure recogni-tion function.ELISA was used to measure serum corticosterone contents.RESULTS Compared with the normal control group,the locomotor activity of mice in the model group was significantly increased(P<0.01).There were anxiety-like behaviors with a significant increase in the number of times of stair-climb-ing and rearing(P<0.01).Depression-like behaviors were observed with a significant increase immobile time in forced swimming test(P<0.01).Cognitive impairment was manifested as decreased accuracy of Y-maze spontaneous alternation response(P<0.01).The corticosterone content was significantly elevated(P<0.01)in forced swimming mice.Compared with the model group,the accuracy of Y-maze spontaneous alternations was higher(P<0.01)and the content of serum corticosterone was lower(P<0.01)in the model+fluoxetine group.The immobile time was shorter(P<0.01),the spontaneous alternation response of Y maze was was less accurate(P<0.05)and serum corticosterone content was lower(P<0.01)in the model+SR9009 group than in the model group.The latency to fall off the rotarod was longer(P<0.05),the immobile time was shorter(P<0.01)and the content of serum corticosterone was lower(P<0.01)in the model+LXH0225 group compared with the model group.CONCLUSION The REV-ERBs agonists SR9009 and LXH0225 may protect against forced swimming over-training induced mood disorders and cognitive impairment.
7.Progress of exosomes in drug resistance of hematologic malignancies
Lin QI ; Rui WANG ; Jianzhu FU ; Zhiyong CHENG
Journal of Leukemia & Lymphoma 2023;32(5):314-317
The incidence of hematologic malignancies is increasing, and although new drugs and treatments have made great progress, relapse and drug resistance are still urgent problems to be solved. Exosomes are tiny membrane vesicles secreted in cells that carry lipid bilayer membrane structures including mRNA, microRNA and proteins. It carries and transmits important signaling molecules, forming an entirely new intercellular information transfer system that exhibits a wide range of biological properties and functions in organisms. Tumor cell exosomes are confirmed to contribute to cancer cell proliferation, angiogenesis, invasiveness, distant metastasis and drug resistance. Multiple studies have shown that exosomes from some malignant hematological tumor cells are closely related to tumor resistance. This review summarizes the research progress of exosomes in the mechanism of drug resistance of hematologic malignancies, in order to provide a theoretical basis for the clinical treatment of hematologic malignancies.
8.Endothelial METRNL determines circulating METRNL level and maintains endothelial function against atherosclerosis.
Sili ZHENG ; Zhiyong LI ; Jie SONG ; Pin WANG ; Jian XU ; Wenjun HU ; Yi SHI ; Qi QI ; Zhuwei MIAO ; Yunfeng GUAN ; Chaoyu MIAO
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2023;13(4):1568-1587
METRNL is a recently identified secreted protein with emerging functions. This study is to find major cellular source of circulating METRNL and to determine METRNL novel function. Here, we show METRNL is abundant in human and mouse vascular endothelium and released by endothelial cells using endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi apparatus pathway. By creating endothelial cell-specific Metrnl knockout mice, combined with bone marrow transplantation to produce bone marrow-specific deletion of Metrnl, we demonstrate that most of circulating METRNL (approximately 75%) originates from the endothelial cells. Both endothelial and circulating METRNL decrease in atherosclerosis mice and patients. By generating endothelial cell-specific Metrnl knockout in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice, combined with bone marrow-specific deletion of Metrnl in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice, we further demonstrate that endothelial METRNL deficiency accelerates atherosclerosis. Mechanically, endothelial METRNL deficiency causes vascular endothelial dysfunction including vasodilation impairment via reducing eNOS phosphorylation at Ser1177 and inflammation activation via enhancing NFκB pathway, which promotes the susceptibility of atherosclerosis. Exogenous METRNL rescues METRNL deficiency induced endothelial dysfunction. These findings reveal that METRNL is a new endothelial substance not only determining the circulating METRNL level but also regulating endothelial function for vascular health and disease. METRNL is a therapeutic target against endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis.
9.Differential transcriptomic landscapes of multiple organs from SARS-CoV-2 early infected rhesus macaques.
Chun-Chun GAO ; Man LI ; Wei DENG ; Chun-Hui MA ; Yu-Sheng CHEN ; Yong-Qiao SUN ; Tingfu DU ; Qian-Lan LIU ; Wen-Jie LI ; Bing ZHANG ; Lihong SUN ; Si-Meng LIU ; Fengli LI ; Feifei QI ; Yajin QU ; Xinyang GE ; Jiangning LIU ; Peng WANG ; Yamei NIU ; Zhiyong LIANG ; Yong-Liang ZHAO ; Bo HUANG ; Xiao-Zhong PENG ; Ying YANG ; Chuan QIN ; Wei-Min TONG ; Yun-Gui YANG
Protein & Cell 2022;13(12):920-939
SARS-CoV-2 infection causes complicated clinical manifestations with variable multi-organ injuries, however, the underlying mechanism, in particular immune responses in different organs, remains elusive. In this study, comprehensive transcriptomic alterations of 14 tissues from rhesus macaque infected with SARS-CoV-2 were analyzed. Compared to normal controls, SARS-CoV-2 infection resulted in dysregulation of genes involving diverse functions in various examined tissues/organs, with drastic transcriptomic changes in cerebral cortex and right ventricle. Intriguingly, cerebral cortex exhibited a hyperinflammatory state evidenced by significant upregulation of inflammation response-related genes. Meanwhile, expressions of coagulation, angiogenesis and fibrosis factors were also up-regulated in cerebral cortex. Based on our findings, neuropilin 1 (NRP1), a receptor of SARS-CoV-2, was significantly elevated in cerebral cortex post infection, accompanied by active immune response releasing inflammatory factors and signal transmission among tissues, which enhanced infection of the central nervous system (CNS) in a positive feedback way, leading to viral encephalitis. Overall, our study depicts a multi-tissue/organ transcriptomic landscapes of rhesus macaque with early infection of SARS-CoV-2, and provides important insights into the mechanistic basis for COVID-19-associated clinical complications.
Animals
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COVID-19/genetics*
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Macaca mulatta
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SARS-CoV-2/genetics*
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Transcriptome
10.The recent advances in developing gene editing and expression tools and the synthesis of natural products in Yarrowia lipolytica.
Jinhong ZHANG ; Zhiyong CUI ; Qingsheng QI ; Jin HOU
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2022;38(2):478-505
Yarrowia lipolytica, as an important oleaginous yeast, has been widely used in metabolic engineering. Y. lipolytica is considered as an ideal host for the production of natural products such as terpenes, polyketides and flavonoids, due to its ability to utilize a variety of hydrophobic substrates, high stress tolerance to acid and salt, high flux of tricarboxylic acid cycle and the ability in providing abundant the common precursor acetyl-CoA. Recently, more and more tools for genetic editing, gene expression and regulation has been developed in Y. lipolytica, which facilitate the metabolic engineering of Y. lipolytica for bio-manufacturing. In this review, we summarized the recent progresses in developing gene expression and natural product synthesis in Y. lipolytica, and also discussed the challenges and possible solutions in heterologous synthesis of natural products in this yeast.
Biological Products/metabolism*
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Gene Editing
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Metabolic Engineering
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Polyketides/metabolism*
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Yarrowia/metabolism*

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